# Comments for '10401' @7 {Kazushi}\n"... .... ...." @11 {Mizuki}\n"How is he?" @16 {Rin}\n"He's asleep. Is he just lying down with his eyes closed?" @23 {Ran}\n"He's not going to go after her or anything like that, right?" @26 {Rin}\n"What? I hope not..." @32 {Daigo}\n"He ate. So he should be fine." @37 {Pierre}\n"He is going to be just fine. Especially, after all the cries." @42 {Hu-sen}\n"Yeah, but he finally accepted Haruka's death just today. The real pain may start from now." @47 {Appo-}\n"He'll be okay. We are here for him." @52 {Natsume}\n"I'll be watching him just in case." @55 I hear everything they're talking about. I know they are peeking in here too. @56 But it feels good. Just knowing everyone is there for me. And the fact everyone cares about me. It all makes me feel at ease. @57 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka..." @58 I cried like an idiot. Somehow I feel better, but at the same time, I feel depressed again. @59 Because I now have to accept that Haruka is not really here any more. @60 {Kazushi}\n"... ... .... ...." @61 In Haruka's bed, there is still a bit of her scent left. I can smell it, but probably not everyone does. @62 And this scent will go away eventually. @63 I haven't got much sleep lately. So it won't be so difficult for me to fall asleep with my eyes closed. But, for some reason, I can't sleep at all. @64 I'm afraid of sleeping. If I sleep, I'll have to wake up to the world that Haruka is not around. @65 That will put me in despair. So I'd rather not wake up, which scares me even more. @66 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka..." @67 I call her name. @70 {Kazushi}\n"Ahh, Haruka..." @72 Haruka is gone. So is her illusion that my crazy mind created. @73 But this is how the world should be. The world Haruka is not around. @74 {Kazushi}\n"Aren't you ever gonna come back to me, Haruka?" @75 I feel like falling down into a world of despair again. Into a deep, bottomless hole. I'm so scared. @76 But I am not, because my friends are all here for me. @77 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka..." @79 That night, I fell into a deep sleep. And I had a dream. @85 {Haruka}\n"Are you gonna go right after graduation?" @86 I'm not sure what she is asking? @87 {Kazushi}\n"Going where?" @88 {Haruka}\n"A foreign country. You want to go, right?" @89 {Kazushi}\n"Uhh..." @90 We promised each other that we would get out of this island and go to some place far abroad together. @91 {Kazushi}\n"We will make some money first. And we'll get a driver's license, and..." @92 Come to think of it, it will take a lot of preparation. But I feel things are becoming more realistic since I met Haruka. @93 But, in fact, I'm not really facing the reality. I don't even know what else needs to be prepared. @94 {Kazushi}\n"It looks like it is going to take time." @97 {Haruka}\n"Yeah, we will need a lot of money. But we can make it, if you and I can work together." @98 Haruka looks very excited. We just talked about the harsh reality, didn't we? @99 {Kazushi}\n"You look so happy, Haruka?" @102 {Haruka}\n"Yes, I am. Because now I have a goal to achieve. No, it's more of a dream." @103 {Kazushi}\n"Dream? Sounds like you've never had one before." @104 {Haruka}\n"Actually, no. I have never had one." @105 {Kazushi}\n"Really? What about becoming an alchemist, like the principal?" @107 {Haruka}\n"That's not my dream. That is more like another reality to me because I feel it will come about eventually as long as I study everyday. So to me, it's a pursuit of reality, not dream." @109 {Kazushi}\n"Oh, yeah?" @112 {Haruka}\n"Oh, yes. And..." @113 Suddenly, Haruka's voice becomes thin. @116 {Haruka}\n"In my whole life, instead of wishing how things were done, it was more of how everything had to be done certain way including my grandma's situation..." @119 {Haruka}\n"Then I met you, Kazushi. My life has changed because I now have my own dream. I'm so happy everyday." @120 {Kazushi}\n"Me too." @121 I had never felt this way until I met Haruka. I'm happy everyday, too. @122 {Haruka}\n"I'm happy today and tomorrow too. Because our everyday will lead to our "some day"." @125 {Haruka}\n"Thanks to you, Kazushi. You know what? You have become my dream." @126 Her shining eyes look straight at me. What beautiful, bright eyes they are! @127 {Kazushi}\n"You are embarrassing me." @130 {Haruka}\n"Oops. Sorry. I'm embarrassed too." @131 Both of us blush. The breeze from the sea pats us on the cheeks. @134 {Haruka}\n"Let's go some day. You and me. Promise?" @135 {Kazushi}\n"Sure. Promise. I will take you there, no matter what." @136 {Haruka}\n"Thank you." @137 Holding hands together, we watch the ocean for a long time, while imagining the world beyond the horizon. @143 I woke up with Haruka's sweet scent. @144 {Kazushi}\n"It was a dream.." @145 In the dream, we were very happy together. It was just a month ago. But now, things are completely different. @146 {Kazushi}\n"Promise..." @147 The promise that I made - - taking her out of this island, visiting my home town and traveling together. @148 Haruka was looking forward to all that. I broke my promise. @149 Can I really not make my promise come true? What is gonna happen to me? @154 {Kazushi}\n"So beautiful." @155 It looks like a pure white carpet. All the flowers, against all odds, are in full bloom, just like when I first met Haruka. @156 {Principal}\n"This is so amazing." @157 I hear someone's softly exclaiming voice. @160 {Kazushi}\n"Principal." @161 It was the principal. She walks through the followers to come toward me. @162 {Principal}\n"They are very special flowers. It's not easy to get them bloom like this. But your friends did it." @163 Haruka also said these white followers are very special. @164 {Kazushi}\n"They are all incredible guys." @165 They protected Haruka's flowers while I was wandering around in the darkness. And they pulled me out of it. @166 I have so much respect for them. @169 {Principal}\n"By seeing these flowers, I can tell how much they love you and Haruka." @170 {Principal}\n"Haruka was a very lucky girl to have friends like them." @171 The principal says regrettably. I guess because she only notices it now. She quietly stares at the flowers. @174 {Principal}\n"I should have paid more attention to her. My eyes were completely clouded." @175 The principal chuckles a bit. I know she is blaming herself. @176 {Kazushi}\n"Please don't blame yourself." @177 I know how the principal feels. I would have taken on the same path as hers, if I were alone. @178 However, my friends were for me. And for the principal, Haruka was there. @179 But Haruka is now gone. @182 {Principal}\n"I'm okay. I just feel I have become completely alone." @183 The principal softly smiles. I never knew she smiles like that. My heart aches to see such a gentle smile on her face. @184 {Kazushi}\n"But you have a son, right?" @185 Her son - - Haruka's father. He must have come to the funeral. But I didn't get to see him since I missed the ceremony. @188 {Principal}\n"With this tragedy, I have lost contact with him completely. He's never liked alchemy. Maybe, he hates it now." @189 {Kazushi}\n"Sorry to hear that..." @190 Haruka came to this school because she wanted to study alchemy. But I guess the tragedy ruined everything. @191 {Principal}\n"Everyone in my family leaves me. Maybe, this is a punishment." @192 {Kazushi}\n"No, please don't say that." @193 {Principal}\n"Well, being alone is not as bad as I think. Plus, I have got no one left in my family." @194 Her eyes tell the principal has given up on something. Haruka would not like to see her grandma like this. I cannot leave her alone. @195 {Kazushi}\n"Then, I will become your grandson!" @198 {Principal}\n"What? You..my grandson?" @199 {Kazushi}\n"See? I was planning to be anyway. I was very serious with Haruka." @200 {Principal}\n"That's crazy, Kazushi." @201 The principal seems to be in dumb surprise. But I'm dead serious. @202 {Kazushi}\n"Yes, it may sound crazy. But so what? Can you just think of me as your real grandson?" @203 I cannot leave the principal alone to make her feels lonely. This is not what Haruka wants. @206 {Principal}\n"She stifles a laugh." @207 {Kazushi}\n"What?" @208 What's so funny? The principal suppresses her laughter. @209 {Kazushi}\n"Excuse me, principal...Can I be...your grandson...?" @210 {Principal}\n"Oh, sorry. I couldn't help. I know why Haruka liked you." @211 {Kazushi}\n"Oh, yeah...?" @212 But, is that funny? @213 {Principal}\n"I wish I were ten years younger." @214 {Kazushi}\n"Ten years younger?" @215 The principal chuckles mischievously. Is she teasing me? Is this the same principal? @216 {Principal}\n"Thank you, Kazushi. I really mean it. Your kindness really touches me. And I appreciate your offer." @217 {Kazushi}\n"What does that mean? I will become your grandson eventually." @220 {Principal}\n"Eventually?" @223 {Kazushi}\n"I have not yet given up on Haruka." @224 {Principal}\n"What? But that's..." @225 {Kazushi}\n"I want to be your student!" @226 {Principal}\n"My student?" @227 The principal looks surprised and confused. @230 {Principal}\n"My student? Do you mean you want to be an alchemist?" @231 {Kazushi}\n"I didn't say I wanted to become your grandson on a whim. I have decided to study alchemy for the rest of my life." @232 {Principal}\n"But..." @233 {Kazushi}\n"Please. Please say yes!" @234 I bow deeply. The principal looks perplexed. @235 {Principal}\n"Get your head up." @236 The principal puts her head down to look into my face. @237 {Principal}\n"Are you trying to take Haruka's place?" @238 She asks me with a gentle voice. @239 {Principal}\n"I know you are worried about me. But you don't have to take all the burdens for yourself, Kazushi." @240 {Kazushi}\n"No, that's not the reason. I'm asking just because I want to." @241 {Principal}\n"Are you sure?" @242 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka always said alchemy is for the happiness of people. So I want to study it as much as Haruka did." @243 {Kazushi}\n"I will take the classes and study as hard as I can so,please teach me alchemy." @244 I've never asked anyone to teach me anything this desperately. I simply want to know more about alchemy - - something that Haruka put her mind to. @245 The principal sighed deeply. And she smiles a bit. @248 {Principal}\n"Sure, I will teach you." @249 {Kazushi}\n"Really!?" @252 {Principal}\n"Of course. Teaching may be the right word. Learning together may be the word." @253 The principal looks far out and glances at the carpets of full boom. @257 {Principal}\n"When it comes to learning alchemy, I have forgotten one important condition all these years. You have to love it and enjoy doing it. You and Haruka reminded me of that." @259 {Principal}\n"I studied hard so that I could catch up with my husband. I loved it and enjoyed myself very much. But those feelings have long gone." @262 The principal looks as if she were picturing her good old days. She smiles happily. @263 {Principal}\n"I know how you feel about studying alchemy. I felt the same way. I want to get those feelings back." @264 {Principal}\n"I won't say I will teach you. Rather, I want to study with you, Kazushi. Is that okay?" @265 {Kazushi}\n"Yes, of course!" @266 Studying alchemy will help me understand more about Haruka. That's why I want to learn about it. @269 {Principal}\n"Since Haruka was gone, I've almost given up on my successor." @270 The principal squinting at the carpet of white flowers. @271 {Principal}\n"I remember when I first came to this island." @272 A smile breaks out on her face. @273 {Kazushi}\n"But, is that funny?" @275 It was in the place like this with a lot of flowers around that I met Haruka for the first time. @276 I clearly remember it. We just looked at each other with no consciousness of time. It seemed everything was for all eternity. @279 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka..." @282 My illusion -- Haruka smiles. @283 {Principal}\n"Everything started here. And it seems something new begins here." @284 The principal may see her husband in her eyes. As she smiles, the flowers murmur. And the white garden begins to shine. @287 {Kazushi}\n"Is this...?" @288 {Principal}\n"Honey, you loved me so much. I am so grateful. Thank you." @289 Light becomes stronger. First, I thought it was an optical illusion, but it is not. Inside the gleaming garden, Haruka is fading away. @290 Our sight is filled with the light. @292 {Kazushi}\n"Wh-What is this?" @293 It was there, deep down in my life. I didn't even know it was there. I was not able to see it. @294 When the surface of water runs high, its bottom can't be seen. The same principle can apply to my life. I have not been able to see the deep down in my life. @296 With my eyes closed, I can still see light in the dark. The light gently glows. And I get a reminiscent feeling. @297 The light illuminates the inter part of my life and whole being. How come I get such a wistful feeling? @298 Wait... @299 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka...?" @300 Haruka? Yes, I can feel her. Does this feeling lead to Haruka? @301 When I made love with her, I felt we were connected at the deep level. And now I have the same feeling. @302 Is this some kind of remnant of that feeling? Just like a hallucinated pain you might get from a removed organ of your body? @303 {Kazushi}\n"... ... ..." @304 I carefully draw in spider web-like tiny threads. I can feel something strongly. @305 {Kazushi}\n"I'm still connected...?" @306 It's not the remnant. Am I still connected? If so, where to? @307 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka..are you there?" @308 I feel like being up in air. No, I'm falling down. @309 My sense is falling down deeper and deeper. @316 {Kazushi}\n(What? Where am I) @317 This is the basement at school. The horrible memory comes back. @318 {Kazushi}\n(Hmm...?) @319 I can't move. It seems I am lying on the cold ground. @320 It's dark. And I see the collapsed rocks around me. @321 {Kazushi}\n(This is...?) @323 {???}\n"Ugh....Ugh.....Ugh..." @324 I can hear someone sobbing. Is it Haruka? No, it's the principal, but she is young. @325 {???}\n"Uhhh....Uhhh..." @326 Her sobbing dwindles down. The young principal goes away. So who am I? @327 {Kazushi}\n(Am I her husband?) @328 This must be another dream. I'm having a bad dream - - about that accident. @329 I have no feeling in my legs. I must have been injured. @330 {Kazushi}\n(There is no way I can move like this.) @331 I have no strength to move or speak. As my body get weaker, I tremble with incredible fear. @332 The source of fear is death. And it's the shadow of death that scares me, I mean Mr.Seibe. @333 I have no idea how good Mr.Seibe as an alchemist. But I can feel how scared he was with imminent death. He is frightened like a child. @334 {Kazushi}\n(Ugh....!) @337 My sight is getting weak. I'm definitely losing sight here. @338 I am being alone, which terrifies me. The fact I am dying alone is extremely frightening. @339 {Kazushi}\n(Somebody....) @340 I would scream out for help, if I could let out my voice. Somebody, help! -- I cry out in my mind. @343 I thought I was ready to die but obviously I'm not. Because I feel like loosing my mind before I die. @344 Objectively I know that's nonsense, but simultaneously I'm crying out of fear like a child. And those mixed feelings exist within me. @349 Finally, my sight is gone. I am in complete darkness. It is the death of darkness. @350 {Kazushi}\n(Somebody...Help me!!) @351 I pray desperately. @355 Then, some bright light comes into my sight. @356 {Kazushi}\n(... ...Huh!!) @357 I can still see the light with my eyes closed. And there is a red point shining inside the light, which grows bigger and bigger. @358 {Kazushi}\n(What is this!?) @359 In no time, the red light becomes large enough to embrace my whole body. @361 {Kazushi}\n"What?" @362 Is that the flower garden at school? The place I met Haruka for the first time. @363 {Kazushi}\n"No...it is not." @364 It looks similar, but I'm not in Eiden Island. @365 {Kazushi}\n"What is this place?" @366 I've got no clue. But the one thing for sure - - the red light came from this side of world. @367 The world that wrapped me and Mr.Seibe in. @368 {Kazushi}\n"Ah..." @369 Since when? There is a man standing before me. @372 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Finally, we have met each other." @373 {Kazushi}\n"Are you Mr.Seibe?" @374 This is the first time I've ever met him in person. But I can recognize him because I was always him in my dream. @375 {Mr.Seibe}\n"I've been waiting for you for long. But I knew you would make it because Haruka loved you." @376 {Kazushi}\n"Do you know about us?" @377 It was a total surprise that he knew about Haruka and me. I thought he just showed up in my dream. @378 Looking at my reaction, Mr.Seibe chuckles. @379 {Mr.Seibe}\n"I had already known about you guys before you even knew it. I could see it as the possibility in the future." @380 {Mr.Seibe}\n"That stone also has such power." @381 He smiles calmly. That stone? @382 {Kazushi}\n"Ah...What is this place?" @383 I am talking with the principal's husband who died years ago. Am I in my dream again? @384 {Mr.Seibe}\n"This is the world Hisae created." @385 {Kazushi}\n"Hisae?" @386 It's the principal's name. The world she created? I look around. @387 {Mr.Seibe}\n"This is Hisae's world. That's why it all looks like Eiden Island. This is the world I can still be alive, although I'm technically dead." @388 {Kazushi}\n"Are you?" @389 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Hisae couldn't forgive herself for the fact she couldn't save me. That's why she wished strongly." @390 {Mr.Seibe}\n"For the world that I don't die. She must have done it unconsciously. And her wish was strong enough to make that thing work." @391 {Kazushi}\n"Make what thing work?" @392 {Mr.Seibe}\n"This stone." @393 A soft light appears in air. It is a stone that gives a faint glow. @394 That is the stone that came in my dream. This is the stone the principal and Mr.Seibe were studying. @395 It looks as big as a chicken egg, and also has the smooth surface. The shell doesn't look hard, rather soft and elastic. @396 The surface is yellowish red in color. Its center looks gold. Is this a real stone? @397 {Kazushi}\n"It appears this stone is alive." @398 This stone has some sort of grace with warmth. And it lights up and down like heart beating. @399 {Kazushi}\n"Is this stone from this island?" @400 {Mr.Seibe}\n"That's right. This stone is the mystery of this island - -the source of the power. This stone made Hisae's wish come true." @401 {Kazushi}\n"The principal's wish..." @402 The wish that Mr.Seibe doesn't die. Her wish must have been so strong and intense. @403 And Mr.Seibe, too, made his wish at the very last moment that he would not die. And the moment both of their wishes matched, this world was born. @404 This explains why I saw what I saw. @405 {Mr.Seibe}\n"I am the last consciousness of Seibe. The world Hisae created was able to take me in and allows me to live a temporary life." @406 {Kazushi}\n"Did that stone work because of the principal's wish?" @407 Her strong wish kept Mr.Seibe's consciousness from being dead. Then her wish created this side of world. @408 {Mr.Seibe}\n"This world is what Hisae sees inside her visionary mind. Therefore, I can say I've lived in her heart." @409 For the sake of principal's peace of mind Mr.Seibe admonished to live in her heart. @410 However, at that time he had no idea that would literally become a reality. @411 {Kazushi}\n"Does the principal know about this side of world?" @412 {Mr.Seibe}\n"No, she doesn't. Her wish was fulfilled, but she never knew it. It's pretty ironic, isn't it?" @413 {Kazushi}\n"Why don't we just tell her?" @414 Why not they just see each other again? I'm sure Haruka will be happy. However, Mr.Seibe shakes his head. @415 {Mr.Seibe}\n"I can only live in this side of world. That's why I haven't been able to tell my wife about me." @416 Does it mean he cannot leave here for good? @417 {Kazushi}\n"So you are like being locked in a cage." @418 Mr.Seibe gently smiles, hitting I am half correct. @419 He has been stranded in this side of world. He is neither dead nor alive. @420 {Mr.Seibe}\n"I wouldn't mind being here only if I could bring peace and comfort for Hisae. But she doesn't know I am here." @421 {Mr.Seibe}\n"This side of world will end soon." @422 {Kazushi}\n"End? What do you mean? Why? What is gonna happen to you?" @423 Mr.Seibe can only live on in this side of world. If this place is gone, what will happen to him? @424 {Mr.Seibe}\n"This world is not supposed to exist, to begin with." @425 He smiles suggestively, to avoid an answer to my questions. Or is that his answer? @426 He may be right, but...before that happens... @427 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Before that happens, I have something I must do." @428 Mr.Seibe thinks of the same thing as me. Probably I have been seeing the past from his eyes, which make me feel very close to him. @429 {Mr.Seibe}\n"I want to make one last, selfish desire of mine come true. That's why I've been waiting for you." @430 {Kazushi}\n"What is it? Waiting for me?" @432 {Mr.Seibe}\n"The moment this world gets born, I saw the "intention"of this stone. This stone has all the rules and principles of the world. When I saw it, I was able to see the future." @434 {Kazushi}\n"You saw the future...Do you mean you knew what was gonna happen?" @435 {Mr.Seibe}\n"I knew you were coming to this island. And it was me that helped you when you fell from the bridge. @436 {Kazushi}\n"What?....Bridge?" @437 He must be talking about when I first arrived at this island. Yes, I fell from the bridge. But that was.... @438 {Kazushi}\n"............Uh" @443 {Kazushi}\n"Aahhhhh.........!!" @444 I am falling down at incredible speed. @445 I see the bridge up there, and see the woods down there. And the woods get closer and closer. @446 {Kazushi}\n"I don't want to die....!!" @447 I am still fucking virgin! I don't want to die! I want a girlfriend!! @448 {???}\n"Take care of Haruka." @449 {Kazushi}\n"What...?" @453 At that moment, a dazzling light wraps me in. @454 {Kazushi}\n"Ugh...!!" @455 It feels like someone embraces me tenderly. @461 {Kazushi}\n"I moan softly." @462 I find myself lying down on the cold dirt. Then, I get up. @463 {Kazushi}\n"Where am I?" @464 I feel confused. I thought I was in my room. However, my memory comes right back. @465 {Kazushi}\n"I fell... I fell from the bridge." @466 I look up. How high is that bridge up there? @467 {Kazushi}\n"Wait...I am alive!! I'm fuckin' alive!! Amazing!!" @468 I thought it was a miracle I got no injury after I fell from that height. I thought I was the luckiest man in the world. @469 But, now I know that's not that case. It's not like I was lucky or anything. I was saved. @474 {Mr.Seibe}\n"You remember now?" @475 {Kazushi}\n"Yes. But why me?" @476 {Kazushi}\n"Can't you really talk to your wife like you are doing with me now?" @477 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Unfortunately, no. I can't. I can only live in this side of world, no other places." @478 {Kazushi}\n"Then, why with me?" @479 You talk to me, and saved my life. @480 {Mr.Seibe}\n"That's because you were about to die. At the life-death situations, your soul becomes so pure that I can even reach." @481 {Mr.Seibe}\n"A few years ago, I tried to save a girl. But it didn't work at that time. I felt so bad." @482 {Kazushi}\n"Does that mean I was simply lucky because it worked?" @483 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Kazushi, I knew you'd be here. So I was prepared. And now we meet." @484 {Kazushi}\n"What do you want me to do?" @485 I figure that Mr.Seibe needs my help. But I have no idea what it is. @486 {Kazushi}\n"I want to help you. Tell me what I can do." @487 Haruka would help her grandparents in any way possible. So this is going to be for Haruka too. @488 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Thank you. There is one thing I want you to do for me." @489 {Kazushi}\n"Yes. If I can." @490 {Mr.Seibe}\n"I know you can. I want you to take me out of this place." @497 {Kazushi}\n"I moan softly." @499 {Principal}\n"Kazushi! Kazushi!" @500 When I woke up, I heard the principal calling me. But her voice feels like echoed far away upon the sky. @501 {Principal}\n"Kazushi! Are you okay?" @502 Again, someone shakes my body. And the sun's rays, too, runs through me. @503 Under the warm sunlight, I feel like gaining strength inside me. @504 Time has come. Something within me just woke up. @505 {Kazushi}\n"Hisae... ...." @506 He uses my body to speak to his wife. @509 {Principal}\n"Excuse me?" @510 Being called her first name, the principal seems shocked a bit. She doesn't know what is going on. @511 {Kazushi}\n"Hisae, it's me." @512 {Principal}\n"Me?" @513 The principal inclines her head. But then, she opens her eyes wide. @518 {Principal}\n"Is it you, Seibe? Is it really you?" @523 From her surprised eyes, tears run down on her face. Her face is flushed with joy, just like a young girl. She travels back to the time they first met. @524 {Principal}\n"Seibe, why?" @525 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Hisae. I've kept you waiting long, haven't I?" @528 {Principal}\n"You are back?" @529 As tears roll down her cheeks, the principal clings to my body. Mr.Seibe in me softly smiles back and slowly shakes his heads. @530 {Mr.Seibe}\n"No, I must go now." @533 {Principal}\n"What?" @534 The principal shows a shock on her look. @535 {Principal}\n"I...understand...." @536 The principal quietly accepts what he said. It's clear that she is no longer the person obsessive about one idea. She even shows him a smile. @539 {Principal}\n"This is the way it is. Right? I know it now." @540 Tears run down on her smiling face. @541 {Mr.Seibe}\n"That's right. This is the way it is." @542 {Principal}\n"I will see you soon. I'm getting old myself. I am a grandma, you know." @543 {Mr.Seibe}\n"You have not changed a bit, Hisae. You are still beautiful." @544 {Principal}\n"You embarrass me..." @545 The principal flushes slightly. @546 {Mr.Seibe}\n"This place looks the same as before. There were so many flowers in full bloom just like this, when we first came here." @547 {Principal}\n"I remember the flowers started to bloom immediately after we stepped onto the island." @548 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Yeah. I remember that." @549 I finally get it. Haruka and I had the same situation as theirs when we first met. That's why the principal had an eye on me from the outset. @550 And the principal was right. Before I knew it, I was saved by Mr.Seibe and influenced by his existence. @551 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Since then neither you nor this place have changed at all. Same as my feeling towards you. I love you, I always have. I love you. I always have." @554 {Principal}\n"Ahh..." @555 The principal catches her breath, and sheds tears again. @556 {Mr.Seibe}\n"I always wanted to tell you that." @557 {Principal}\n"I love you too." @558 They pledge themselves to each other in the full bloom flower garden like a young couple vowing eternal love at the wedding. @559 {Principal}\n"I swear..." @562 The principal stretches herself to me. And they kiss each other. @563 As flowers fly in the breeze, they kiss each other for a long time. @568 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Time to say goodbye." @569 Mr.Seibe says decidedly. @570 {Principal}\n"Yes. See you soon." @571 The principal smiles with teary eyes. She just wants to send him off with a smile. @575 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Thank you, Kazushi. Thanks to you, I was able to tell her I love her once more." @576 {Kazushi}\n"This is the least I could do." @577 I feel that Mr.Seibe is leaving my body. @578 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Thank you, Kazushi. This side of world is dying now." @579 {Kazushi}\n"I see. Then you are..." @580 Mr.Seibe gives me a gentle smile. Finally, he is able to rest. @581 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Take care of the rest, Kazushi." @582 {Kazushi}\n"What? The rest?" @583 {Mr.Seibe}\n"That stone was mainly used to keep that side of world. But not anymore." @584 {Mr.Seibe}\n"You can do it....No, only you can do it." @585 {Kazushi}\n"Ah...What do you want me to take care of?" @586 Mr.Seibe is melting away. @587 {Mr.Seibe}\n"Take care of Hisae....and Haruka." @588 {Kazushi}\n"What? Haruka? Wait, Mr.Seibe!" @590 Mr.Seibe is gone. @591 And leaving the stone alone. @592 {Kazushi}\n"This stone..." @593 This stone looks red from one side, and looked gold from another. Being by my side, the principal stares into the stone. @596 {Principal}\n"This is what I have been looking for. The magic stone that has been in this island. The treasure that is the source of everything." @597 And this stone also helped create the world Mr.Seibe lived in. The stone is the source of power that alchemy has in this island. @598 {Principal}\n"He has left you with that..." @599 {Kazushi}\n"It seems like it." @600 The stone looks alive. The reddish, gold object pulsates like a heart beating. @601 {Kazushi}\n"What am I going to do with it? Mr.Seibe told me to take care of it." @602 {Principal}\n"He said that?" @603 The world the principal created is now gone. She created it? I take care of it? @604 Does it mean? @605 {Kazushi}\n"... .... ..." @606 Some idea occurs in my mind. And I know that is the answer. @609 {Principal}\n"Kazushi, what's the matter?" @610 This stone fulfilled the principal's wish. Did he want me to try the same? Can I do that? @611 {Principal}\n"Kazushi?" @612 {Kazushi}\n"Principal, how did you create the other side of world?" @613 {Principal}\n"The other side of world?" @614 Oh, that's right. The principal didn't know that she created that world with no intention. All she did was to make a strong wish. @615 Which means there is no certain way to do it then. So... @616 {Kazushi}\n"Maybe, I can do it." @617 I got to do it. @618 {Principal}\n"Can you do what? What's going on, Kazushi?" @619 {Kazushi}\n"We can still make it." @621 Mr.Seibe told me to take care of it. Now I know what he meant. @622 But I'm not sure if I can really do it. But I have to do it. I try to remember what Haruka said. @623 {Kazushi}\n"The process should be the same as refinement." @624 I know how to refine. This is what I have been doing in the lab. @625 I am pretty good at this now. @626 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka..." @627 Now I must visualize the process. @628 Now that I concentrate, it feels like my whole psyche gathers. I picture Haruka's face. @630 I close my eyes and stare at the dark. A small light appears in the darkness. @633 It's a tiny light - - as small as the point of a needle. I sense everything will start with it. @634 I heard the universe began with a little, tiny dot, which later exploded. @635 Explode? That's right. I must put all my energy into that dot. I focus my whole being and spirit on it. @636 This is a simple theory, just like intensifying fire. Higher the flame, faster things boil. I must give more energy to it. @637 The light looks like a living thing. As it shimmers with pulse, it grows bigger. @638 {Kazushi}\n(More.....More.....) @639 I pour all my energy from the bottom of my life to it. I don't care if I get nothing left in me. I don't care if I burn all of my life. @640 More... power... @645 At that moment, something bursts inside of me. @650 It is white space. I find myself in there - -nothing else. Did I screw up? @651 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka" @652 Out of the space, something appears. It's becoming clearer and clearer. @655 {Haruka}\n"You did it, Kazushi." @656 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka!!" @657 With a gentle smile, she stands right before my eyes. @658 {Haruka}\n"Finally, you came all the way here. I never knew you were so persisitent." @659 {Kazushi}\n"Yeah, I am stubborn, you know. I guess I have to tell you more about me." @660 I feel overwhelmed by talking to a person who once I thought was dead. But nothing begins yet. @663 {Haruka}\n"I see. I still don't know a lot of things about you, Kazushi. But it's too late." @664 {Kazushi}\n"No, it's not too late, Haruka. I am here to bring you back." @665 I reach my hand over to her. I will hold her hand tight and take her home with me. @668 {Haruka}\n"Sorry, I can't." @669 However, Haruka won't take my hand. @670 {Kazushi}\n"Why? Don't you want to come with me?" @671 {Haruka}\n"I am already dead. I know grandpa is gone." @672 {Kazushi}\n"Your grandpa asked me to take care of you." @675 {Haruka}\n"Grandma's unconsciousness kept grandpa connected. And that stone made it all possible." @678 {Haruka}\n"It was under special circumstances. Grandpa's soul got frozen right before his death." @679 {Haruka}\n"But, soul should be in flux. That's the way it should be. I must go too." @680 Haruka sadly closes her eyes. @681 {Kazushi}\n"Where are you going?" @682 Instinctively, I feel sudden fear. The fear Haruka might have to go far from me again. @685 {Haruka}\n"I don't know. There may be the place all dead people go to." @686 {Kazushi}\n"No way..." @687 Is everything too late? I've come this far. @690 {Haruka}\n"Please don't give me that look. You are amazing. You've even created this place." @691 It is just white space -- very simple room. Haruka looks around wistfully. @694 {Haruka}\n"They say if you study alchemy thoroughly, you will be able to create a small universe. I think this is it. You did it, even though you just started to study it." @695 {Kazushi}\n"I used the power of the stone. Nonetheless, this is all I got -- white space." @696 To me, this is far from being perfect. That's why, I believe, Haruka said "it's too late". @699 {Haruka}\n"No, you did great. I think you have what it takes to be an alchemist. You will become an outstanding alchemist." @700 {Kazushi}\n"I cannot do it all by myself. And if you really think so, help me." @703 {Haruka}\n"That's not possible. Sorry." @704 She rejects my idea, which pushes me to despair. @705 {Haruka}\n"It's time for me to go. I can feel it. I'm beginning to fade away." @706 Haruka is going. Fear, instead of sorrow comes over me. Haruka's face starts to distort. @709 {Haruka}\n"I'm sorry to make you sad. I have taken care of grandma, so I know how hard it is being left alone." @710 Haruka twists her face with a pain, implying that it's also hard for people going away. @711 {Kazushi}\n"I have to help you! Please stay with me..." @712 I can't help but to moan and sob, although I know this will make Haruka even sadder. @715 {Haruka}\n"I also want to be with you. I don't want to go, but it's not allowed." @716 {Kazushi}\n"Nothing stops us!" @719 {Haruka}\n"What?" @720 {Kazushi}\n"Nothing stops us from being together. I don't care even if I have to make an enemy of the whole world." @721 {Kazushi}\n"I don't care even if God makes mad at me and gives me punishment." @722 {Kazushi}\n"I will be happy to be punished if I can be with you. Please stay with me." @723 I can no longer get my head up. With my head down, I just reach my hand over. @726 {Haruka}\n"You're right. You are so stubborn." @727 Haruka softly smiles and reaches her hand over to me. Her finger touches mine. @728 But like rain in the soil... @729 {Kazushi}\n"Ahh..." @730 Haruka's fingers are disappearing. @731 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka...!!" @732 Her fingers, elbow, and shoulders....Haruka is fading away with a smile. @735 {Haruka}\n"Thank you. I was so touched when you said you don't care even if you make an enemy of the whole world." @738 {Haruka}\n"Sorry, but I really have to go." @739 {Kazushi}\n"No....Haruka!!" @742 {Haruka}\n"I was so happy to see you, Kazushi. I am so happy..." @743 Haruka fades away. The person I deeply love is disappearing. @744 {Kazushi}\n"Wait!! Haruka!!" @745 This is exactly the same as before. I could not help Haruka in flames. I'm losing her again. @746 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka...!!" @747 I try to reach my hand over as far as I can. Then I grabbed and pressed her against me. @748 {Haruka}\n"Kazushi..." @749 Haruka sadly looks up at me. I hold her tight, but cannot stop her from disappearing. @750 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka......" @751 In my arms, Haruka quietly smiles. It seems she already accepts her destiny. @754 {Haruka}\n"If I can make a wish now....I want to be with you in my next life too. Also I want to be your wife, Kazushi." @755 {Haruka}\n"Can I be your wife?" @756 {Kazushi}\n"Of course." @757 {Haruka}\n"Really? Thank you." @758 Haruka is fading away. This time she is really leaving me. @759 Nothing I can't do? Really nothing? @760 {Kazushi}\n"Can I also make a wish?" @763 {Haruka}\n"What?" @764 {Kazushi}\n"Will you marry me now?" @767 {Haruka}\n"What?" @771 Haruka looks perplexed, but I hold her tight and kiss her. @772 {Haruka}\n"Ahh...Hmm..." @773 While kissing her, I concentrate with my mind clear. @774 What we need now is the fireplace and a flask. @775 The container is this space I created. @776 And the materials for refinement. @777 The materials are male principle and female principle - - two opposite substances. @778 {Haruka}\n"Kazushi..." @779 Our bodies feel hot. We are so hot that we melt away into one. @780 {Haruka}\n"Kazushi..." @782 Our bodies are getting hotter and we start to glow. Two lights blend into one light. @784 We are now uniting into one by marriage of our souls. Haruka's soul and my soul are melting into one. @785 Just a little bit more... @786 Little more... @787 We can get there... @792 {Kazushi}\n"Ahh....... .... ...." @794 I find myself back in the garden. Haruka... @795 {Kazushi}\n"She is not here..." @796 Haruka is gone. I thought we made it. Did I fail? @799 {Principal}\n"Kazushi!" @800 As I hear the principal call me I turn around. @802 {Kazushi}\n"Uh..." @803 I find that stone. But it doesn't look like a stone any more. It's opening itself up as if it were to tremble with joy. @804 {Principal}\n"What is this thing?" @805 The principal and I stare at it. This thing takes off its sheet one by one. @806 {Kazushi}\n"Is this a flower?" @809 {Principal}\n"Was that a bud then?" @811 And it has come into flower. It shows full of life. @812 {Principal}\n"Is this what the stone really looks like? Is this the one that can gives eternal life and revive the dead?" @813 {Kazushi}\n"Can we bring Haruka back to life with this?" @814 {Principal}\n"That's right! That's right! Bring Haruka here now!" @818 Haruka lies in the flowers. Her body is restored by alchemy. @819 But there is nothing inside her. @820 {Kazushi}\n"I'm gonna wake you up now, Haruka." @821 There is one shining flower in the white flower garden. This flower has its petals sparkling in subdued gold. @822 Being exposed to natural light, the golden flower shines with moisture. There is water inside the petals, which open like a bowl. @823 {Principal}\n"Give that water to her." @824 {Kazushi}\n"Yes." @825 I pull the flower up by its root and pour the water in my mouth. @826 {Kazushi}\n"... ... ..." @827 I kiss Haruka lying still in death to feed the water with my whole heart. @831 She twitches a bit. @832 Haruka's eyebrows flicker slightly. @833 {Principal}\n"Haruka...?" @834 While the principal catches her breath, Haruka's skin begins to grow pinkish and her face start to flush. @835 Her long eyebrows twitch again. @837 {Haruka}\n"Hmm......" @838 Her lips start to move. A small voice comes out - - the voice I once thought I'd never ever be able to hear. @839 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka... Haruka..." @840 I call her name. Her eyebrows and her eyelids move even more. Then her eyes open. @845 {Haruka}\n"...Hmm? Kazushi?" @846 Haruka looks up at me with a vacant look. I missed this look so much. @847 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka......" @848 I've been waiting for this moment. Now that my love is right there, I hold her tightly with both arms. @849 {Haruka}\n"Kazushi. It hurts..." @850 She complains with a sweet voice. However, I never loosen my arms around her. @851 {Haruka}\n"I mean it. It hurts." @852 Then Haruka embraces me back as tight as I do. @853 {Haruka}\n"It seems like I'm having a long dream." @854 Haruka mutters with sleepy, yet sparkling eyes @855 {Kazushi}\n"Haruka, you have been asleep for a long, long time." @856 {Haruka}\n"Oh. I overslept, huh?" @857 {Kazushi}\n"Yeah...overslept." @858 {Haruka}\n"Sorry." @859 I hold her in a tight embrace. At the sametime I buried my face into her hair and inhale her sweat scent deeply. @861 {Haruka}\n"Did you miss me?" @862 {Kazushi}\n"Yes. I missed you so much that I thought I would die." @863 {Haruka}\n"Sorry. I will never make you sad." @864 {Kazushi}\n"I'm not gonna let you go away from me any more." @865 {Haruka}\n"I'm not going away any more." @867 The sun rises over the horizon over our heads. The sun's rays run through and brighten the place around us as another day begins. @868 Being bathed in the morning sunlight, we kiss each other vowing we will never ever separate again.